2:05 AM – You’ve done everything you can do. Save yourself! If the worst happens, and only one of us survives, something of the other does, too! Progress.

3:04 AM – According to Coach G, he anticipates his body will burn ~450 calories per hour during this entire run. With that amount of energy being used, it’s important to refuel. I’m pretty sure the boys made about 30 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches … I wonder how many they’ve eaten by now? Progress.

3:53 AM -Adam tried to ford the river and his oxen died! Caleb is sick with Cholera! Miles Traveled: 18ish? Progress.

8:05 AM – “A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more.” Steve Prefontaine Progress

9:36 AM – Word on the street (trail?) is that the guys have not yet made it to the first checkpoint. It’s 31 miles in and they’re meeting G’s sister Genna for the first resupply. Will have a more detailed update from her as soon as they make it. Progress.

10:07 AM – The idea began very simply: Coach G wanted to run the entire Appalachian Trail. He had tried to get some poor fool to join him, but the idea never got past that stage. Finally, G found crazy Agent Shipley, and the plan was born, with Cbo getting suckered in as well. Because they’re such superb human beings, good Samaritans, and closet philanthropists, they set out to do some good and raise money for the East TN Children’s Hospital. Progress.

11:16 AM – Bad news gang. The word is that Caleb’s knees and Adam’s bloody blistered baby buff hooves have forced them to drop out. Adam and Caleb are still ~2 miles from the first checkpoint, where Dave Parmley is waiting to meet them and drive them out. Grant has gone on, is past the first checkpoint (31 miles in) and, as of now, it looks like he is planning to finish the whole thing. He is currently with The Jeffrey, and will next meet up with Blake and TayTay. Even though they didn’t finish, big Congrats to Adam and Caleb, who put a lot of time and effort into training and raising money for the East TN Children’s Hospital! Good luck to G as he continues on! I will post it here as soon as possible if anything changes. Progress.

1:05 PM – This reporter’s sources tell him that Coach G plans to go to Spence Field. I’m not entirely sure how far in that is, but it is short of the full 72 miles. Progress.

Grant at the first Checkpoint - Picture from Genna

4:07 PM – According to Coach Miss J, Adam and Cbo have “ice bathed and eaten.”

4:57 PM – For the past two months, every time I walked in the gym, I’d see Grant or Caleb or Adam doing some ridiculous rowing or running workout. Let’s not understate the amount of work that went into this. “The great ones will tell you with no hesitation, you don’t win it in the game, you win it in the preparation.” Progess.

5:26 PM – Picture from Genna … the caption was slightly inappropriate, but let’s just say it has to do with a certain bodily function ;)

Less sitting, more running please.

7:06 PM – Update from Travis McCroskey: “Just got back into town, at 4:30 Taylor and Blake were heading north from Spence Field towards Rocky Top to rendezvous with Grant. Will and Doug were holding down the base at Spence Field.” Progress.

10:06 PM – Grant made it to Spence Field (60ish miles in) and hiked out with Blake and TayTay. Jessie assures me he is uninjured, and in the car on his way home. Big congrats to all the guys for their valiant effort today! Another big congrats to everyone that helped pace and resupply (So sorry I don’t have a list and can’t name everyone, but I know it includes Lee, Dave, Taylor, Blake, Will, Doug, Travis, Jeff, Larry, Genna, Ben, Erin, and Joe). I wonder what Grant’s going to eat … he’s gotta be tired of peanut butter and jelly…

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12 Comments

This is a great test of their personal endurance and focus but even a greater cause is being served through their efforts to fund raise for Childrens Hospital. Great guys and a great cause!

Dave P
October 24, 2010 at 5:00 pm

It was humbling to have been able to serve two mighty warriors who had left it all on the trail during the night. Caleb and Adam may have been bested by the Trail, but they were not beaten. They went down swinging, not looking.

Slocum's & Joe
October 24, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Update: In case anyone was worried, we made it back to the car right as it went dark. 17.2 miles never felt so good….after we dropped off the gallons of water! ;) Great efforts by all. We are so proud of all three of you!

Genna
October 25, 2010 at 3:50 am

I made no such inappropriate caption. :) Great job guys. Sorry you couldn’t do all 72.

Lee
October 25, 2010 at 7:36 am

I’m so relieved to hear of everyone’s safe return. All three gentlemen have so much to be proud of today- Congratulations on all of your efforts!

Rise Up
October 25, 2010 at 8:55 am

Great job fellas, and big ups to the entire support crew. I’ve done a little trail running in my day and I know how difficult it is run just 3 to 5 miles. I can’t imagine 30 or even 60 miles. Amazing!

on a side note: I’m really hoping today’s Metcon is finger curls for time. With a long finisher of foam rolling.

Erin
October 25, 2010 at 12:37 pm

Update on the boys? I would imagine some serious feet and hip soreness, to the say least…

crossfitktown
October 25, 2010 at 1:51 pm

Ice bath was crucial. Mentally drained from carefully picking my footsteps for 130,000+ steps. The little muscles in my feet and ankles are sore and tight. Knees are a bit tender. Hips are good. Back is good. Traps are a little tight. Overall, I feel much, much better than I expected. Thanks to everyone who helped out, donated money, and followed our progress.

I look forward to attempting this again – all while not looking forward to it.